This is a specified relationship layout that uses nine tiles to analyse where a romantic relationship is at and where it is headed. The first tile shows where it is at now, and can be considered the significator. The second and third tiles determine where your partner stands and how it relates to where you are at personally.
Above the stem, the three-card base of the layout, a cup forms. Tiles #4 and #5 show each person's desires, meaning what they want to get out of this coupling. Above this, Tiles #6 and #7 show the challenge that this pairing presents to each individual. The final two tiles at the top form the rim of the cup, symbolic of the taste of the relationship to each person, which shows how things will turn out on each side.

The Future Outcome (To be read in tandem with the tile below)![]() Winter |
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The Future Outcome (To be read in tandem with the tile above)![]() Circles 1 |
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Challenges Which May Arise for You![]() Wan 9 |
Challenges Which May Arise for Your Lover![]() Wan 8 |
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Desires in Relation to Your Question![]() Bamboo 6 |
Your Lover's Desires![]() Green Dragon |
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Nature of Your Issue![]() Circles 7 |
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Your Lover's Current Position![]() Wan 4 |
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The Current State of Things![]() Orchid |
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The Current State of Things
The Orchid represents refinement, luxury, and the attainment of rare and precious things. Enjoy these times, but be careful not to give it to excess.
The Lute suggests that it would be a great time to take a vacation. Relaxation and a temporary disconnection from the duties of everyday life would be especially beneficial at this time. If you can't get away too long, at least take a break and meditate. The clarity will surprise you.
The Insect represents gain in the short term. It suggests temporary work, small projects, and perhaps freelance. There will be short term gains, but don't rely upon this for too long. This is a transitional time when you should be planning for the future.
The Water tile is about communication and traveling. You may be looked to for advice on something regarding your unique experience.
The Green Dragon symbolises a commencement or beginning of a new project. Perhaps this will take your life in a whole new direction. You can choose to look upon this with anticipation or anxiety.
The Heaven tile signifies achievement, completion, and fulfilment. It suggests perfect contentment and a time you can be free to kick back and feast upon the fruits of your labours.
The Knot tile stands for both tying and setting loose. If this tile appears in the reading with the Sword tile (2 Wan), it suggests that the time to sever your connection to someone or something has arrived. However, if the Duck tile (2 Bamboo) is in this reading, this indicates the strengthening of an existing bond.
The Scholar represents the cultured mind, prudence, and spiritual development. Some think of this tile more specifically as Confucius. This is the sign of refinement of the intellect and the mastery of intellectually oriented tasks.
The Pearl symbolises attainment luxury and wealth. It also warns of the need for humility. Do not allow things to go to your head or you may inadvertently squander your blessing and lose the respect of those around you.